Topic - Governance, Legislation & Law Archive

California’s Fair Political Practices Commission recently reorganized and — in some instances — relaxed the rules on when a public official may accept free or discounted travel. The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2014. Anytime a public official travels at a free or discounted rate, he or she must consider how the travel rules apply. Generally, payments to an official for travel are gifts that must be reported. The new travel rules emphasize disclosure.

In the wake of the Bell scandal the League condemned the breach of public trust and took steps to facilitate public access to critically important city government information, such as the salaries of city managers and elected officials. At the same time the League and its local government partners assisted Bell’s residents and newly elected leaders in reforming their government and rebuilding public trust.

Over the past several years, California cities and counties have faced the issue of whether to permit or ban medical marijuana dispensaries. Many cities imposed bans or prohibited dispensary operation, while others required permits, business licenses and regulations. The California Supreme Court has affirmed that cities have the authority and the right to ban medical marijuana dispensaries within their boundaries.

Under realignment, state prisons will house the most serious offenders while county jails will house lower-level felons. This article examines which offenders are covered, sentencing, post-release supervision and related issues of continuing interest to cities.